Hello everyone! Sorry to have been missing so long. After a busy summer I wanted to present in this post 10 very special neighborhoods in Latin America that we love because of their style, environment, bohemian life, architecture…

Vila Madalena is one of the most picturesque and bohemian neighborhoods of São Paulo. Descents and steep climbs with steps, trees and plants, low houses, businesses, ateliers and endless urban art on its walls. Fashion and design, bars everywhere and streets that graffiti artists use as their canvas like the colorful Beco do Batman.

Vila Madalena exhales creativity at any time of day. Vila Madalena has become a mecca of fashion and design in Sao Paulo and one of the most important centers of artistic creation in Brazil. It’s definitely my favorite part of the city, where every time I get lost in its streets I find some new secret place to love.Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo2. Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires

Palermo is the most chic bohemian Buenos Aires neighborhood. It was a proletarian residential area for over a century. Since the 80s, it became one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. In Palermo Soho the old buildings have been converted into modern facilities while retaining the style, especially on the facades. The old houses have been converted into restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and cozy boutique hotels. The streets are still mostly cobblestone and the magnificent and immense trees provide a quiet atmosphere.

The famous Plaza Cortazar, is the meeting point for artists, designers, and bohemians who frequent the area as well as tourists and local visitors. A regional crafts fair is held at this popular place on weekends that you cannot miss!Plaza Serrano, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires3. Coyoacán, México

Coyoacan is the cultural heart of Mexico City, a bohemian place to relax outside the busy capital. Coyoacán owes its name to “the place of coyotes”. During the Mexican Revolution, Coyoacán hid the rebels and the leaders of the revolution, it was always a very artistic and free-thinking place. Today, you cannot miss a visit to understand how was the old city of Mexico during the Spanish colonization.

The historic center was recognized by UNESCO. It contains several excellent museums including the Museum of Frida Kahlo, which talks about the life of the famous feminist painter Léon Trotsky Museum, her Russian lover, and the house of Diego Rivera, her husband.Coyoacán, Ciudad de México4. Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México

La Condesa lived its opulent period between 1890 and 1950, reflected in its art deco architecture. In Condesa we find the best expression of diversity in the city.

Over time, its cosmopolitan and bohemian character has increased, becoming today one of the hippest places in Mexico City. It is a quiet neighborhood during the day, great to read in its parks or visit its libraries and galleries, and becomes a great party place in the evenings. You will find numerous outdoor terraces, cafes, bookstores, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and cultural centers.Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México5. La Macarena, Bogotá

La Macarena has already been compared to New York’s Soho and Palermo in Buenos Aires. It is growing as the favorite place of artists, actors and people from all over the world. Today, despite the cultural and bohemian ‘move’, the atmosphere of a calm and quiet neighborhood where everyone knows each other is preserved.

It is located on the slopes of the hills of the city, next to Bosque Izquierdo where the aristocracy of La Candelaria built their big houses in the thirties. La Macarena is an unplanned neighborhood that in the 70’s became a meeting place for the most influential and controversial artists and intellectuals of the second half of the twentieth century in Colombia.La Macarena, Bogota6. Lastarria, Santiago de Chile

Lastarria has a European flair that visitors love: there are cafes, restaurants, art galleries and independent design shops. People go cycling. On the weekends takes place a picturesque fair of antiques and used books. It is a quiet area, which seems to be stopped in time, without noise, well maintained and of an undisputed urban value: there are numerous houses designed by renowned architects such as Luciano Kulczewski – that have been declared properties of historic preservation.Lastarria, Santiago de Chile7. Barranco, Lima

Barranco was the spa of aristocratic families that built here their European style ranches for the summer. Artisans, shopkeepers, poets, artists and workers also settled in the area by building their workshops, homes and businesses. Barranco attracts for its streets with Republican style houses and villas; for its ancient trees and idyllic places; for its enviable ocean views from the canyon that gives name to the district.

It is an oasis in the bustling metropolis of Lima. An oasis inhabited and visited by foreigners, artists and lifelong neighbors. A rich oasis to eat, to walk, to enjoy Lima at night and to surf! Barranco holds the freest spirit of Lima, its most artistic and bohemian side you cannot miss.Barranco, Lima8. Bellavista, Santiago de Chile

Bellavista is undoubtedly one of the most charming places of Santiago, full of bars, restaurants and colorful streets. It is an old bohemian neighborhood on the slopes of Cerro San Cristóbal and the north bank of the Rio Mapocho, and where the house of Pablo Neruda is located.

Although situated near the center of the city the scenery changes completely from the moment you walk in the Bellavista. A natural slowdown, without chaotic traffic and the excitement of the central streets of Santiago. Just sit in a bar on the sidewalk, order a Pisco Sour, admire the scenery and enjoy the moment!Bellavista, Santiago de Chile9. Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá

Since 1673 when the city moved to the peninsula where now lies, it has suffered several fires, has seen its walls rise and fall, and its houses change styles, century after century. Today its charm lies in a particular neighborhood flavor in the mix between classic and modern, between historic and bohemian. A magic that remains in the memory after walking its streets, try its restaurants or enjoy a glass of wine in one of its charming squares.

The Old Town of Panama preserves the authenticity of a heritage in constant transformation. The crumbling mansions give a touch of nostalgia to an area full of vitality, where every day new residents and tourists are arriving, and whose historical foundations give birth to a vibrant lifestyle.Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá10. Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Lapa is Rio de Janeiro’s most bohemian neighborhood for its diverse cultural activities and for being one of the most important points of architectural interest of the city. Between bars, taverns and countless samba this old bohemian neighborhood evokes the essence of the past.

During the Belle Époque in Brazil this district was known as the “Montmartre Carioca” mainly attracting artists and intellectuals. Now attracts a new audience. Every Friday night just below the famous Arch, a multicultural festival begins. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, houses of samba, among other styles, open their doors to welcome the thousands of tourists and locals that transform the neighborhood into a festival, where you can see thousands of people dancing, drinking caipirinha and enjoying life. A must.Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Samba is one of the most popular music styles in Brazil and it is one of the main expressions of Brazilian culture. Samba was born from the mixture of African and Brazilian music. Though we can find it in every corner of the country, Samba is considered a musical expression of Rio de Janeiro where the style saw its maximum development in the end of the twentieth century.
But Samba spots in São Paulo have nothing to be ashamed of. Samba bars in the paulista capital attract the best names in the samba scene bringing a lot of dancing and fun to their clientele. Added to the night programs we have feijoada, typical of Saturdays for lunch, which is always accompanied of a roda de samba or samba circle that goes on until late at night.Vila Madalena and the Pinheiros neighborhood are indeed the best place to go in Sao Paulo if you are looking for good samba at reasonable prices.

As the name reveals this bar is specialized in Samba and Pagode (a more relazed samba style, let’s say samba pop). At Bar Samba walls are covered with pictures of famous sambistas of Rio and Sao Paulo. Its rodas de samba bring the best guests and guarantee fun and non-stop dancing.
Public is diverse formed by hard core samba fans and dancers of all ages, from university students to veteran sambists and a few tourists.

When crossing the hidden door next to the gas station you will feel as if you’ve discovered São Paulo’s most authentic boteco. The owners of the bar take care of the sound in this Pinheiros hidden gem, a couple of samba lovers that play the piano and sing live with customers and friends the classics of traditional samba. Cover is very decent (last time I went 10 Reais). The place is packed, the atmosphere is hot, the beer is cold, and the music is totally infectious.

This no-frills space, with an industrial-abandoned look and a small set of tables is the best samba venue in town if you love to dance, drink and sing. Bumping into each other as you dance is not a problem but an excuse to change partners. The venue packs in a lively mix of locals and tourists with its busy program of samba, presentations of choro and famous singers such as Dona Inah. Opened from Monday to Saturday.Bar FavelaRua Coelho Mourato 1272, Vila Madalena

This unpretentious and charming place has won three years in a row the prize of the best live music in São Paulo awarded by Veja Sp. It’s known for its samba but its schedule also includes MPB, jazz, funk, bossa nova, and chorinho. The more dynamic samba-rock on Sundays, which is danced in pairs, heats up the atmosphere!

Esta es mi selección pero estoy encantada de oir vuestras sugerencias y recomendaciones de samba en Sao Paulo.Please let me know if you have other suggestions of great samba spots in Sao Paulo, I would be happy to hear your recommendations!

Brazilian megalopolis is the economic engine of the South American giant. Culture, cuisine, shopping, business and entertainment all get mixed up together. Here you can explore the legendary Avenida Paulista and the exclusive Oscar Freire, stroll through Ibirapuera Park, attend an unforgettable football match and finish enjoying one of the best nights of Brazil in its hundreds of restaurants and nightclubs.

More: We recommend the the charming pousada of Guest 607 in the Pinheiros neighborhood where you’ll feel at home. A great starting point for exploring the city.
2. Conociendo a los misteriosos Moais – Isla de Pascua, Chile

An island with yet too many mysteries to be solved. Lost in the Pacific Ocean, the volcanic Easter Island or Rapa Nui is one of the most remote inhabited islands of the world. More than 800 Moais keep the island safe, enormous stone sculptures spread through the island that were built by the ancient Rapa Nuis.How to get there: Fly from Santiago de Chile to Mataveri International Airport.More:A wonderful stay at La Perouse Guest House3. Desierto y Geiseres en Atacama, Chile

Northern Chile is home to the world’s driest desert and its salt flats, hot springs and geysers as well as large deposits of copper and other minerals and mines in Chuquicamata, Calama and other parts of the altiplano. It is inhabited by some of the country’s most interesting native people making it an opportunity to interact and contribute directly to the Aymara communities while enjoying adventure sports in unique landscapes.

How to get there: Most people who go to tour the sites in the desert stay in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, 98km from the nearest airport at Calama but there are other starting points to explore the desert free of mass tourism, such as the city of Iquique .More: Místico Outdoors leads adventure excursions, ranging from beautiful dayhikes to exciting overnight mountain bike tours, and much more.4. Cruzando el Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The beautiful Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. The Salar de Uyuni was formed when a prehistoric lake, Lake Minchin, dried up and left a salty crust behind. When it rains, the salty crust becomes a giant mirror.

How to get there: The town of Uyuni is your starting point. Uyuni is a seven-hour drive from Potosí; 12-15 hours drive La Paz. The seven-hour train ride from Oruro is also a scenic access option.More: Stay at Hotel Luna Salada, One of the most incredible hotels in the world, built with authentic salt blocks. 5. Barahona intacta, República Dominicana

Barahona is a still unspoiled and secluded southwest region of the Dominican Republic. Its rich landscape – a flawless union between the beautiful beaches and the majestic mountains – is a welcome invitation to eco-tourism. Do not miss witnessing the colorful sunsets from the sandy shores of the Caribbean Sea, exploring the magical mysteries of the verdant pine tree forests or tasting the local favorite, tilapia in coconut sauce.

How to get there: A 3 hour drive from Santo Domingo International Airport.More: Enjoy a wonderful stay at Casa Bonita, a secluded paradise in the DR!6. Nadando en el Cielo, Hopkins, Belice

Belize, a small territory sharing borders with México and Guatemala is one of the world’s last unspoiled destinations. Its people are said to be the nicest in the world. From a relaxing beach stay, to hikes into rain forest, Maya sites and day trips offshore for snorkeling, scuba diving or deep sea fishing. At Hopkins, which is known as the cultural center of the Garifuna, you can take in traditional drum and dance shows and learn about their friendly culture.

How to get there: You can get to Hopkins by flying to the Dangriga Airstrip from Belize International Airport. By road it should take you around 2:30 hours.More: For a great stay, we recommend Hamanasi, a perfect boutique resort to use a base to explore the country. 7. Explorando el mágico Lago Titicaca, Peru y Bolivia

Lake Titicaca is a magic lake, full of myths and taboos surrounded by the most welcoming aymaran families. The islands of Titicaca (Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon) are full of culture, life and natural beauty. They are an opportunity to explore the history expressed in dances handicrafts and textile tradition cultivated since ancient inca times.How to get there: To explore Lake Titicaca you can do it from Peruvian Puno, or from Bolivian, Copacabana (3 hours away from La Paz).More: A glimpse to the best tours to explore the lake8. Paseando por la colonial Puebla, México

Nestled in the center of México, the city of Puebla was, according to the legend, created and laid out by angels to be enjoyed by the mortals. The city’s magnificent monuments of Spanish colonial architecture earned it the name of Heritage City. Visit its central street filled with buildings, façades, gardens and balconies reflecting the history and changes which have taken place over the years.

How to get there: Puebla is located 80 miles away from México City.More: A wonderful place to stay while visiting the historic centre is Mesones Sacristía, a charming villa from the XIX century

About Me

I am a São Paulo based traveler, consultant and entrepreneur.
I am a passionate traveler that has visited over 35 countries. My traveling obsession is to avoid the mass and getting where nobody gets to. I love exploring new places, meeting the locals, enjoying pristine nature and practicing adventure sports. Excellent food and a charming small hotel give the final touch to wonderful journeys.